Out-of-state home buyers flocking to Central Florida during pandemic

There was no better time than the pandemic for lifelong New Yorkers Beverly and Shawn Cunningham to move from their Staten Island townhouse to a spacious home in Lake County.

Settling in Tavares brings a better work-life balance for the active family of five, and the chance to more than double their living space.

“Before, we were unable to let our kids just run outside. In Florida you’re able to have them run outside, play in the back yard,” Beverly Cunningham said.

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They’re part of the nearly 1,000 people moving to the Sunshine State every day.

“It is overwhelming the amount of people who are flocking to Central Florida,” said Veronica Figueroa, who runs The Figueroa Team, the exclusive partner of Zillow for Central Florida who also handled the Cunninghams’ purchase.

She said she hears from thousands of prospective out-of-state buyers from as far as California who are motivated by the climate, affordability, walkability and the pandemic’s work from home lifestyle.

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According to the Orlando Regional Realtors Association, 75% of out-of-state buyers are coming to Central Florida from the Northeast, 11% from the South and 6% each from the West and Midwest.

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Cox Media Group